Cystic Fibrosis

1. Cystic Fibrosis Everything you need to know and more�

2. Why is this important to you? Some schools do not have a full time nurse Full time school nurses may not always be available It is estimated that 30,000 people have cystic fibrosis in the US

3. What is Cystic Fibrosis CDC defines cystic fibrosis as an genetically inherited disease that results in organ failure in the respiratory, gastric, and other sites. Cystic fibrosis is the most common genetic disorder in children. Cystic fibrosis is most common in Caucasians but affects all races. Cystic fibrosis is usually diagnosed at birth and the mean age of survival is 37.4.

4. Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis �Salty� tasting skin Bloody sputum (spit) Thick, sticky mucous Diarrhea Foul smelling stools Stomach pain Poor weight gain and growth Constipation Frequent coughing Tiredness/weakness Fever Note: Make sure you tell the child to alert you of any of the above symptoms because interventions need to be taken. An intervention such as medication administration would alleviate most of the symptoms experienced.

5. Interventions for the child with Cystic Fibrosis For frequent coughing- this could be disruptive to classmates therefore an intervention would be to sit the child next to the door in order for them to step out if need be. Also assign another classmate to go with them to monitor the student and seek help if further intervention is needed. Note for dehydration-allow student to have sports bottle with appropriate beverage in the classroom.� This is also important is keeping secretions thin. Tiredness/weakness- this is common in long hour school days therefore an intervention would be to allow the child frequent rest periods during school days to account for the fatigue.

6. Factors that can trigger outbreaks of Cystic Fibrosis Smoking Stress Dehydration Infection Fear Anxiety Depression

7. Interventions for the child with Cystic Fibrosis To prevent infections-sure that the child washes their hands after going to the bathroom and before eating. This is going to be essential in preventing infection. For the child experiencing an active infection-place the child�s desk away from any sick kids that are in the classroom to try to prevent any unnecessary infections. Again hand washing is essential in preventing the spread of infections throughout your classroom. If the child is expressing fear, anxiety, or depression-with the above symptoms tell the child that if they experience any of these symptoms there is a guidance counselor at most schools that they can talk to throughout their day to alleviate these feelings. If a guidance counselor is not present question why they are feeling like this and try to counsel the child.

8. Handwashing Wash your hands, and suggest hand washing to PREVENT infection Wet hands with warm water Apply hand wash or soap Lather and wash for at LEAST 15 seconds and scrub fingernails onto palms Rinse both sides of hands with water Dry hands and shut off faucet with towel

9. Important Facts Symptoms vary from person to person and vary overtime. CF can cause severe breathing problems which can result in permanent lung damage CF affects almost all organs of the body CF has NO cure, but treatment is improving

10. Common Treatment Plan Chest physical therapy-to cough up secretions Antibiotics to treat infections. Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling in your airway Bronchodilator medications-open up airways Pancreatic Enzymes- to be able to digest fats and proteins High Calorie Shakes- for poor nutrition and growth Supplements- for vitamin deficiency.

11. Common medications for Cystic Fibrosis Tobi �inhaled medication through a nebulizer , usually taken every 12 hours and stored in a refrigerator and in a dark room Side effects that are NORMAL-sore throat, headache, unpleasant taste in mouth, hoarseness WARNING if seeing these side effects alert someone-coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath